Weekly Security Report Weekly Report Week 28 Week 28
SUMMARY OF MAJOR INCIDENTS BY CATEGORY
| CATEGORY | MAJOR INCIDENTS |
| 1 | Kidnap/Hostage | 8 |
| 2 | Robbery | 6 |
| 3 | Drugs | 4 |
| 4 | Militancy/Maritime Incidents | 4 |
| 5 | Terrorism | 4 |
| 6 | Political/Government Agencies | 3 |
| 7 | Murder/Assassination | 8 |
| 8 | Rape Incidents | 9 |
| 9 | Others |
|
Kidnap/Hostage Incidents
Kidnappers want N50m to Release Abducted Woman in Sapele
The kidnappers of abducted Sussan, wife of Sapele-based staff of Seplat Petroleum Development Company, Chief Anthony Owumi, July 9, demanded a ransom of N50 million for her release. The woman was kidnapped from their Amukpe residence in Sapele LGA of Delta State, amidst intense gun fire. The distressed husband of the victim has pleaded with the abductors to release her unconditionally. Security officials have since recovered both her black 4matic Mercedes SUV and the black Toyota Landcruiser used by her abductors along Elume Road, also in Sapele. Police Public Relations Officer, Andrew Aniamaka, added that the police was working to ensure her safe release.
Police Investigates Pastor over Alleged Abduction of 60-Year-Old Woman
The Enugu State Police Command, says it is investigating a pastor suspected of abducting a 60-year-old woman. Police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, July 8, said that the pastor, Solomon Ozioko, was suspected of involvement in the abduction of Esther Ogbu on June 25. He stated that the 60-year-old woman was abducted and kept inside a forest near Umuopu in Enugu-Ezike community of the state. According to him, detectives are investigating the reason for the abduction of the woman who was found tied to a tree in the forest. “It was further gathered that the victim was inside the forest for a period of 12 days before police operatives acting on intelligence information struck and rescued the victim. “The 60-year-old woman was later rushed to the General Hospital, Ogurute, where she is currently receiving medical attention,’’ he said. The police spokesman said that Ozioko had been helping the police in its investigation.
Herdsmen Kidnap NHIS Auditor
Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, July 8, abducted the External Auditor of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Zakari Sada, along the Kaduna-Abuja highway. Sada was reportedly kidnapped along with his driver. The development came barely three days after the suspension of the Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Prof. Usman Yusuf, for three months over alleged embezzlement of funds. It was gathered from family sources that Sada was travelling from Abuja to Kaduna when he was stopped by the kidnappers around Katari area. It was learnt that his family had been in contact with the kidnappers who demanded for an undisclosed ransom. Sources said the suspected kidnappers opened fire on travellers along the Katari area during the abduction, killing a woman in the process. The Public Relations Officer of the NHIS, Odoh Onuh, said he had heard of the abduction but had no extra information.
Human Trafficking: Court Remands Two in Prison in Edo
Two alleged human traffickers have been remanded in prison custody by a Benin High Court presided by Hon. Justice Alero Edodo-Eruaga. The Commander, NAPTIP Benin Zonal Command, Nduka Nwanwenne, disclosed that the accused persons -Monday Ugbo (33) and Omorogiewa Rhoda (45)- were charged with various offences contrary to the provisions of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015. The first accused person, Ugbo, was allegedly arrested while attempting to collect a registration fee of N50,000 from a prospective victim. Two other victims were reportedly rescued in his residence while planning to traffic them out the country. The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police Parade Child Trafficking Suspects in Anambra
A 60-year-old Pastor, Raymond Igboanusi, and three others, Angela Igboanusi, 42; Obinigwe Josephine, 56, and Jacob Onwuegwu, 62, have been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command for allegedly selling a 10-year-old boy, Ifeanyi Odili, for N300,000. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Garba Umar, who paraded the suspects, said the case of child trafficking syndicate was based on intelligence report, which led to the arrest of Igboanusi. According to Umar, the suspects allegedly conspired and trafficked Ifeanyi Odili at the cost of N300,000. He further disclosed that one Oluchi Emeobi (24) conspired with her friend Nchedochi Richard (26) and sold her two-month old baby to a woman popularly known as First Lady. He added that the woman, who bought the baby, was at large, adding that the Police had spread its tentacles to ensure her arrest. In order to conceal her dastardly act, the suspect reported at the Police Station under false pretense that she left her baby under the custody of a yet-to-be ascertained woman, who absconded with the baby to an unknown destination.
3 Women Accused of Kidnapping 3-Week-Old Baby
Three women, who allegedly kidnapped a three-week-old baby in Ayobo area of Lagos, were, July 11, docked before an Ikeja chief magistrate’s court. The accused, Theresa Ezeala, 56; Augustina Oparaocha, 54 and Florence Ifeanyi, 52, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, kidnapping and receiving a stolen child. The three accused docked in Ikeja, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Imhonwa, told the court that the accused committed the offences with others still at large sometimes in November 2014 at Idi-Orogbo, Ayobo, Lagos. Imhonwa alleged that the trio kidnapped the baby of Chioma Nwakwu, the complainant. He told the court that the complainant was living with Ezeala, her aunt, when she became pregnant. But at the time of Nwakwu’s delivery at Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, the complainant could not afford the hospital bills. The second accused, Oparaocha, a nurse, then approached Ezeala to sell the baby to Ifeanyi, who was willing to adopt the baby at a price. Imhonwa added that without the knowledge of the complainant, Ezeala and Oparaocha sold the baby for N500,000 to Ifeanyi, without the knowledge of Nwakwu.
Herbalist Docked for Kidnapping Child
A 37-year-old herbalist, Sikiru Ifashola, July 11, appeared before an Ebute Meta magistrate’s court in Lagos, for allegedly kidnapping a child and demanding a ransom for her release. Ifashola, however, pleaded not guilty to. The prosecutor, Sergeant Jimah Iseghede, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 12 at Ogudu GRA. He said the accused abducted one Bose, daughter of the complainant, Mopelola Adewunmi, and demanded N50,000 for her release. The magistrate, Miss Tolu Idowu, admitted Ifashola to N100,000 bail with two responsible sureties in like sum. Idowu said the sureties must be gainfully employed, and adjourned the case till August 2, for mention.
Police Parade 7 Suspects over Abuja, Kaduna Highway Kidnaps
Seven suspected kidnappers terrorising commuters along Abuja-Kaduna Highway were July 13, paraded by at Force Headquarters, Abuja. Their arrest was effected by the Police Special Force, led by the Intelligence Response Team between July 8 and 9. The team, which had acted based on available intelligence at its disposal, swooped on the kidnappers’ dens in Gwagwada, Kangimi and Katari villages in Kaduna State, where the suspects were arrested. Ibrahim Gurgu (45) was the leader of the gang. Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, who paraded the suspects, said items recovered from them included AK-47 rifle, two locally-made pistols, 30 rounds of live ammunition, one magazine, two military camouflage, three cutlasses and charms.
Robbery
6 Robbery Suspects Nabbed in Delta
Members of a vigilante group at Oruhde quarters, Ozoro, Delta State, have tracked and apprehended a six-man robbery gang while they were assembling for an operation in the area and recovered their arms. In another incident, an armed bandit at Agbarha-Otor community, near Ughelli, shot and wounded a vigilante chairman, who led his men to arrest him. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, who confirmed the arrests said that the vigilantes at Oruhde Quarters, Ozoro, trailed and arrested the suspects and recovered the exhibit. The suspects were arrested while preparing for a mission.
RRS Arrests Two Suspected Robbers in Lagos
Two suspected robbers, who specialised in attacking and robbing motorists and commuters in Mile 2 area of Lagos State, have been arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS). The suspects, Sunday Chukwuweike (26) and Emmanuel Friday (28), were arrested on July 7 after they robbed a truck driver, Yinusa Salami, of N45,000 and his mobile phone, alongside two others, who escaped arrest. The truck driver, Yinusa Salami, stated that he had stopped at the bridge to pick up his brother, who was waiting for him when the incident occurred. However, the driver quickly identified and approached the men of RRS stationed at the other side of the bridge to report the incident. They followed him to track the robbers. They were arrested two, while two others escaped. The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, for further investigations and prosecution.
Two Robbed and Killed in Lagos Filling Station
Two men were, July 9, robbed and killed at a filling station at Afolabi bus stop, Lasu-Iyana Iba Road, Lagos State. PUNCH Metro learnt that the victims were attacked at Sungaz Petrol Station, in the early hours of July 9. Although the names of the victims had yet to be ascertained, they were said to have hailed from the northern part of the country. Policemen from the Igando division are on the ground.” The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said a suspect had been arrested in connection with the killing. He said, “We are investigating a murder case because nothing was stolen. We have made an arrest that can lead to why it happened. “We have invited the security guards that were on duty. The victims were two males from the northern part of the country. We are still trying to get more facts, but there is nothing linking it to robbery or assassination.”
Robbers with Toy Guns Rape Woman
The police have arrested a 24- year-old man, Joseph Nwadunobi, for allegedly raping and robbing a resident of Ajileye Street, in the Ijedodo area of Ijegun, Lagos State. It was learnt that Nwadunobi and his accomplices at large, while armed with toy guns and cutlasses, stormed the apartment of a woman and had taken turns to rape her when she told them that she did not have any money to give them. The suspects had earlier injured and robbed one Maurice of his personal belongings and cash. It was said that the incident was reported to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Lagos State Police Command, and a manhunt was launched for the suspects, leading to Nwadunobi’s arrest. The suspect was brought before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on four counts bordering on robbery, assault and rape. The defendant’s plea was turned down by the presiding magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Akokhia. The magistrate ordered that he should be remanded in prison and adjourned the case till September 12, 2017, for mention.
Robbers Attack Luxury Bus Passengers, Kill Two
A pregnant woman and a male passenger were, July 7, shot and killed by armed robbers along the Benin-Lagos road. A driver with the Ezewanta Transport Service and his conductor were also shot and taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. A driver with the Ezewanta Transport Service and his conductor were also shot and taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment. Due to the insecurity prevalent on that road, luxury bus drivers barricaded the road protesting against alleged killing of the passengers on the Young Shall Grow Transport Service. Following the protests, commuters were stranded for several hours. A bus driver said the protesters were not willing to leave the roads until the government put an end to the robbery attack on the road.
Police Arrest Tricycle Robbers in Delta State
The Delta State Police Command has arrested a member of a robbery gang, which specialises in robbing passengers in tricycles and then pushing them off while on motion. The suspects were arrested at Ekpan and Udu areas of the state. Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, July 10, confirmed the arrest of the suspect. The suspects were arrested after a victim that was thrown out of a moving tricycle cried for help. The female victim’s cry for help attracted policemen on duty, who went after the hoodlums and the suspect, who is the tricycle rider, was arrested, while one Kingsley of 1st Marine Gate, Warri, escaped with the knife used by the robbers.
Drugs
Court Jails Two for Dealing in Narcotics
The Federal High Court, Ikoyi, presided over by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, July 7, sentenced two men to five years imprisonment for dealing in narcotics. One of the convicts, Abbas Ahmed (23), who is deaf and dumb was caught while dealing in cannabis along the Agege Motor Road in February 2014. The second convict, a security guard, Adebowale Michael (22) was arrested with four pinches of cocaine weighing 0.7 grammes at Oniru Estate in the Lekki-Ajah area of Lagos by youths who handed him over to the police in February 2017. He was later transferred to the NDLEA which charged with unlawful dealing in cocaine contrary to and punishable under the NDLEA Act. The convicts had pleaded for mercy and urged the court to consider their young age and the fact that they are first offenders. But Justice Aikawa in his ruling noted that drug trafficking particularly cocaine trafficking was an international crime that had smeared the reputation of the country and must be seriously dealt with. He therefore sentenced both convicts to five years imprisonment each.
Customs Seizes N51m Fake Drugs, Nab 15 Suspects
Fifteen suspects have been arrested by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, after intercepting 1,442 cartons of medications smuggled into the country without registration number from the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The estimated Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the drugs is N51 million. The drugs were loaded in two 40-foot trucks and were seized along Oshodi-Apapa Road and the Ijebu-Ode Expressway. The Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Garba, disclosed this while handing over the items to NADFAC in Lagos. The Director of Investigations of NAFDAC, Mr. E. Kingsley, pledged that the agency would ensure that the seized drugs do not go into the market.
Bus Conductor Jailed 5 Years for Drug Trafficking
A 23-year-old bus conductor, Ahmed Abbas, was on July 13 sentenced to five years imprisonment for drug peddling, according to a ruling of a Federal High Court, Lagos. The hidden drug found on Okafor Abbas was arraigned by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a charge of trafficking in Cannabis Sativa (hemp). The convict, who was not represented by a lawyer, had pleaded guilty to the charge and begged the court for leniency. In his judgment, Justice Rlwan Aikawa, said he found the man guilty of the offence as charged. Aikawa, consequently, sentenced him to five years imprisonment, beginning from the date of his arrest. The Prosecutor, Jeremiah Aernan of the NDLEA, had told the court that the offence was committed on February 14 at Agege Motor Park, where 1kg of hemp and was seized from him.
Interpol, NDLEA, Others, Seize 881.100kgs of Illicit Drugs in Sokoto
The Interpol, National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other relevant agencies, have seized 881.100kgs of illicit drugs as a result of a joint operation conducted in Sokoto State, as well as the Nigeria-Niger border. The Chairman of the agency, retired Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah, disclosed this in Sokoto on July 14 at the closing ceremony of a five-day Joint Training and Operations Exercise, between Nigeria and the Niger republic. The programme was organised by the ECOWAS in conjunction with Interpol in Sokoto. The NDLEA Boss stated that six suspects, including a 12-year-old boy, were arrested during the operation. He gave the breakdown of the seizures as: Diazepam 67.10kgs, Tramadol 22.60kgs, cough syrup with codeine 794kgs and 30kgs of cannabis. The Chairman of ECOWAS Commission, Marcel de Souza, represented by retired Col. Diange Abdulrahman, lamented that West Africa was a regional hub for the production, trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs and other related crimes.
Militancy/Maritime
Soldier Killed as Militants Attack Army Formation
Suspected militants, July 13, attacked an army formation at Ogbogbagbene community in Burutu LGA of Delta State killing a soldier and an unidentified person while others sustained various degrees of injuries. The incident has heightened tension within and around the community. The formation which is stationed a few meters from the Ogbogbagbene boat jetty, was established during the height of militant activities to stem the tide of militant attacks in the area and is the second attack on army personnel in Delta State in the last 13 days. A community source revealed that the hoodlums invaded the formation at about 2am and overpowered the soldiers who were caught off guard. The assailants also carted away arms and ammunition including a military gunboat. The remains of the soldier was deposited at the morgue of the Bomadi General Hospital.
Navy Foils Attempted Hijack of Merchant Ship
The Nigerian Navy (NN) says it foiled an attempted hijack of a Merchant Vessel, MV UAL HOUSTON, around Bonny Fairway Buoy in Rivers State. The Acting Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Captain Suleman Dahun, disclosed this on July 14 in Abuja. Dahun said that the incident occurred on July 13 when six suspected sea pirates boarded the vessel but were unable to access the ship’s living quarters, bridge or machinery room as the ship was on lockdown by the crew. On receipt of the ship’s distress call, the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny dispatched a boat to rescue the vessel. The pirates immediately abandoned their hijack plot and fled when they saw the naval team. No crew member was abducted nor harmed during the attack.
Naval Destroys Illegal Refineries in Rivers State
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, have discovered and destroyed seven illegal refineries around Bolo Creek and Isaka axis in Rivers State. The Acting Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Captain Suleman Dahun, July 14, disclosed that the Nigerian Navy had sustained the recent trend of successes in the operations against crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other illegal activities in the Niger Delta region of the country. Dahun said that the illegal refineries destroyed at Bolo Creek had several storage tanks, two wooden boats laden with about 80,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 65,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), while the illegal refineries destroyed in Isaka axis had storage pits laden with 45,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil and 5,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Navy Arrests Vessel on Illegal Bunkering
A patrol team deployed by the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bonny have arrested a vessel, MT LEADERSHIP, around Onne axis for conducting illegal bunkering operations. According to the Acting Director of Information, Captain Suleman Dahun, the vessel was arrested while receiving unspecified amount of petroleum products suspected to be illegally refined AGO from a barge without valid naval approval. The vessel had 12 crewmen while 16 men were on the barge. The vessel and the barge are currently under the custody of the Base, while investigation is ongoing, he added.
Terrorism
Borno Police Confirms Fresh Foiled Suicide Attacks
The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the multiple suicide attempts on University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) on July 6. While residents within the UNIMAID premises claim that the institution witnessed three suicide bombings, the Police insists that the attacks took place outside the University premises. Confirming the latest incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku, two male suicide bombers were sighted and intercepted along the parapet behind the University of Maiduguri by joint security operatives deployed to the University. He added that one of the suicide bombers was shot dead, while the second bomber hurriedly detonated the IED strapped to his body, killing himself, to avoid being captured alive. The police spokesman further stated that Police Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) team were drafted to sanitize the scene and environ, and normalcy has since been restored.
Troops Push Boko Haram Further into Lake Chad
In continuation of ongoing efforts to rout Boko Haram terrorists in its area of responsibility, troops of 7 Brigade Special Forces, 8 Task Force Division have dislodged terrorists who have been gathering in Dawashi Gari village, in an area bordering the Lake Chad. Meanwhile, troops, July 10, killed 4 terrorists, while others fled, abandoning their motorcycles, which were recovered and destroyed, to prevent their being used to perpetrate terror on innocent villagers. Similarly, as part of the theater wide and ongoing clearance operations, troops of 145 Bn, 5 Brigade, 8 Task Force Division have cleared Gashigar, Asaga, Bukarti and neighbouring villages. In the process, troops made contact with terrorists in Kanama village and killed 2 terrorists, arrested 2 more, while 1 AK 47 riffle, 4 magazines and 4 motorcycles were recovered.
11 Killed as Multiple Explosions Hit Borno
At least 11 persons were killed in multiple bomb explosions on July 11 in Borno State. The first and second explosions occurred at about 9.45pm at Mulaikalmari, close to Maiduguri, the state capital. Eight persons, including the suicide bombers were killed in the attack. Three others were also killed and five others wounded in the third and fourth explosions, which occurred about 20 minutes later at Polo-Sabon Gari area on the outskirts of Maiduguri, A source added that security teams had been drafted to the affected areas to ascertain the situation. He disclosed those wounded referred to Special Hospital, Maiduguri for medical attention. The Chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency, Alhaji Satomi Ahmed, who confirmed the attacks, said his officials have been mobilised to the scenes.
19 Killed in Borno Boko Haram Attacks
Borno State Police Command, July 12, confirmed that 19 people were killed and 23 injured in the latest Boko Haram attacks in Maiduguri. The attacks claimed the lives of 12 Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members and seven civilians. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, disclosed that four female suicide bombers attacked Moloi, Judumeri and Polo-Sabongari areas of Maiduguri. He said the attackers targeted a CJTF checkpoint and detonated their explosives, killing seven of the task force members. Chukwu said that another suicide bomber detonated an explosive strapped to her body when she was intercepted by a CJTF member, killing herself and the CJTF member. Few minutes later, he said, another suicide bomber attacked a group of mourners who gathered to symphathise with families of those killed in the earlier attacks. The attacks occurred between 10pm and 10.30pm on the outskirts of the metropolis.
Political/Government Agencies
IGP Sacks Inspector, Three Others over Illegal Arrest, Extortion
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, has sacked four policemen -an Inspector, a sergeant and two corporals- attached to Ijebu-Ode Area Command in Ogun State over extortion. The former officers were found guilty of extorting N50,000 from a man they arrested on trumped up charge. According to the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Sogunle, in charge of the Police Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit, the men were dismissed after they were found guilty in an Orderly Room trial. They were charged with discreditable Conduct and Corrupt Practice under the First Schedule of Police Act and Regulations Cap. P19. Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The four men, had on June 7, without any grounds, arrested a man who was just leaving a bank and took him to the Igbeba Station, where they made him to frog jump and write a self-incriminating statement that he was an internet fraudster. They released the man after impounding the N50,000 he had gone to collect, saying it was payment for his bail. The man lodged a complaint with the Police Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit. The police authorities found the complaint genuine and took appropriate actions.
Army Inaugurates Locally Fabricated Patrol Vehicles
The Nigerian Army, July 10, inaugurated locally fabricated Infantry Patrol Vehicles (IPV) that would enhance troops operations across the country. The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, inaugurated the vehicles and also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for a new army cantonment known as Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment at Giri, on Airport Road, Abuja. The Chief of Army of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, explained that the vehicles were locally designed and fabricated by personnel of the Nigerian Army after extension research. Buratai said that the platform would further serve as force motivation, as efforts were being stepped up to clear remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast, noting that the vehicles had already been deployed to the region. According to him, the vehicles are one of the platforms used for firepower demonstration during the 2017 Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) earlier held at the Sambisa Forest in Borno State. He further explained that the vehicles could be used for long-range battles as they could be mounted with General Purpose Machine Gun-GPMG and other caliber of weapon.
Air Force Unveils New Commands, Redeploys 58 Senior Officers
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), July 11, said it had established two new Commands and a Branch for effective operations. The Service has also redeployed 58 senior officers. The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said that the exercise was part of the restructuring efforts of the Service to enhance the effective and efficient projection of air power. He said the two new Commands were: the Air Training Command (ATC) with Headquarters in Kaduna State, and the Ground Training Command (GTC) with Headquarters in Enugu State. The ATC will be responsible for the implementation of policies on flying and air operations while the GTC will be responsible for the implementation of local ground training, he stated. Adesanya added that the newly-established Branch is known as Communications Branch, and was unbundled from the former Logistics and Communications Branch. The new Branch would handle all the needs of NAF with regards to communications, electronics, radar maintenance, Information and Space Technology. NAF has also redeployed a total of 58 officers comprising 25 AVMs, 20 Air Commodores, five Group Capts, one Wing Commander, four Sqn. Ldrs., two Flt.-Ltr. and one Flying Officer.
Murder/Assassinations
One Feared Killed as Rival Cultists Clash in Ilorin
Rival cultist groups renewed their hostility in Ilorin, Kwara State on July 6 leaving one person dead. It was gathered that the atmosphere became charged when members of the rival cult group arrived at the shop of the deceased, simply identified as Dauda. Dauda was said to have taken to his heels when he sighted the dreaded group but was given a hot chase and was eventually caught at the Edun/Opo-Malu Junction where several machete cuts were dealt on him. Other shop owners were said to have scampered for safety as the cultists reportedly brandished harmful objects including guns, machetes among others. The warring cult group was said to have left the scene of the incident immediately the deceased was confirmed dead. Residents promptly fled the area for fear of reprisals.
2 Brothers Beheaded in Port Harcourt
The decapitated bodies of two brothers, Ifeanyi and Emeka Wobo, were found around Elekahia Housing Estate in Port Harcourt, Rivers State by police operatives on July 11. It was gathered that the brothers had picked a taxi from Rumuokparali the night before their remains were found. A youth leader in the community, Pamoses Omah, narrated that the Police got Ifeanyi’s identity card and used it to trace his next of kin. The victims were the two sons of late Chief Oliver Wobo. Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the development and noted that Police have commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to their death.
Gunmen Kill NTA Reporter in Benin
A reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Benin, Lawrence Okojie, was July 8, shot dead by gunmen in Benin City, Edo State. Okojie was said to have been killed around Ogunola Junction, off Siluko Road. Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the killing, said one person had been arrested in connection with the incident. Late Okojie, who was dropped off by NTA staff bus at Ogunola Junction around 8pm on that fateful day, had called his wife on phone and informed her that he was on his way home. The wife raised the alarm when he did not return home as promised and after repeated calls to his phone without any response from him. It was gathered that some of his colleagues at NTA who were joined by some family members on a search mission, discovered his corpse in a morgue in Benin on July 9. The circumstances surrounding his death remained sketchy. The police have, however, promised to thoroughly investigate the matter.
Military Cadet Shot Dead in Yenagoa
Scores of women, July 10, took to the streets of Yenagoa to protest the rising cases of cult killings in the state capital. The protest followed the killing of a 23-year-old military cadet, Enoch Saviour, who was killed while trying to rescue a victim of an armed attack. The aggrieved women, who staged a peaceful protest from the Ovom area, where the incident occurred to the Swali axis of Yenagoa, called on the Police and the state government to stem the frequent cases of violent attacks, rapes, armed robberies and killings by young boys suspected to be members of dangerous cult groups in the state. While the police have made some arrest over the killing, they have promised to continue investigations and arrest some fleeing suspects.
Ilorin Businesswoman Assassinated
A young businesswoman, simply known as Alhaja Rashidat, was July 7, gunned down at her shop in Kulenda area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. It was gathered that the assailants had arrived the shop on a motorbike while she was preparing to close for the day to perpetrate the act. The assailants reportedly trapped the deceased in her shop, and told her of their intention. The victim was said to have pleaded with the assailants to spare her life, promising them money. The suspects, however, were said to have ignored her plea and shot her before fleeing the scene. The deceased, it was learned, had been a victim of several robberies in the area because of her thriving business. Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident. He said that some suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident.
Court Remands 2 for Alleged Murder of UNIOSUN Student
An Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Osun, July 11, remanded two persons in an Ilesa prison for alleged murder of a University of Osun (UNIOSUN) student. The accused persons, Izak Yusuf (49) and Abdulkazeem Adeoti (55), are facing a three count-charge of conspiracy, murder and unlawful possession of human parts. The prosecutor, Mireti Wilson, told the court that the two committed the offence on June 26 in Osogbo. Wilson said that the accused persons conspired among themselves to kill Timileyin Oluwafemi Sonibare with a pestle and cut his head, hands and other parts. He that said the victim was a student of UNIOSUN until his death. The two accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of conspiracy, murder and unlawful possession. The Magistrate, Mrs Mary Awodele, however, declined to grant the accused bail due to the magnitude of the offence. She ordered the accused persons to be remanded in Ilesa prison until July 25, when the case would come up for mention.
Cultists Invade Rivers Community, Kill 8
Eight people were, July 13, killed in a suspected reprisal attack by suspected cultists in Oduoha community in Emohua LGA of Rivers State. It was gathered that one of the cult groups in the area, Deygbam, had stormed the community in June, where a member of the rival Icelander gang was killed. The cultists, suspected to be members of Icelanders, reportedly stormed the community to avenge the killing of their member. The suspected cultists went from house to house, killing their targets, adding that most of the victims were members of the opposing cult gang in the area. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nnamdi Omoni, said the Commissioner of Police in the state had mobilised men to restore peace in Oduoha.
Osun Perm Secretary Kidnapped, Hacked to Death along Abuja-Okene Road
The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of General Services, Office of the Governor of Osun State, Olufunke Oluwakemi Kolawole, was on July 12, abducted and hacked to death. Kolawole was travelling to Abuja from Osogbo on an official assignment when hoodlums kidnapped her and took her to an unknown destination. The deceased was said to be driven in her official car when the hoodlums attacked her along the Okene–Abuja highway. The Osun State Head of Service, Sunday Owoeye, confirmed the incident on July 14.
Rape
Man Sodomizes Four Boys in Minna
A 32-year-old man, Mustapha Abdullahi, has admitted to sodomizing four underage boys at the PZ Area of Minna in Niger State. Abdullahi was said to have had regular sexual intercourse with the children, aged 12 to 15 years over a period of time. The suspect revealed that he had been engaging in the act for a long time before he was apprehended by a team of policemen. The Command Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, July 10, said the suspect had been arraigned in court.
2 Men Docked for Gang-Raping Teenage Girl
Two men - Kingsley Samuel (27) and Chike Vincent (34) - appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court on July 11. The suspects were charged with gang-raping a teenage girl. The prosecutor, Sergeant Raphael Donny, told the court that the offences were committed on June 25 at the apartment of the accused. Donny said the first accused Samuel, lured the 17-year-old girl to his room on the pretext of sending her to her brother. But unknown to the girl, the second accused, Vincent, was behind the door when she entered the room. They immediately shut the door after she entered, pulled off her clothes, and gang-raped her, he said. Donny said the violence unleashed on the girl caused her to cry to her home and the case was reported at the police station by her mother. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Folakemi Davies-Abegunde, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties each in like sum. She adjourned the case until August 2 for mention.
Two Men on Trial for Sodomising 10-Year-Old Boy
Two men, Saheedu Yahaya (20) and Rabiu Muhamed (46), July 10, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged sexual assault on their neighbour’s son. The Prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the offences were committed in June at the accused residence. Ogu said that the accused lured the 10-year-old boy into their room on the pretext of sending him on an errand. But as the boy entered their apartment, they allegedly shut the door behind him, fingered his anus and inserted their penis in his anus. The cry of the boy alerted one of the neighbours who rushed to the window of the accused to see what was happening. The prosecutor said the woman shouted for help and the two accused persons were apprehended by other tenants and handed over to the Police. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, granted the accused bail for N200,000 each with two sureties in like sum. Akanni adjourned the case till July 17, for mention.
Ex-Police Officer Held for Alleged Rape of a Child
A 55-year-old retired Deputy Superintendent of Police, Christopher Archibong, was on July 7, remanded in prison custody in Calabar for allegedly raping a nine year-old girl. Archibong also the General Overseer of the Family Prayers Network Centre in Calabar, Cross River State. The State Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, said the retired traffic warden committed the crime on May 31, 2017. Inuwa explained that the suspect lured the victim into his uncompleted building to go and park woods for him, adding that Archibong threatened to kill the little girl when she initially resisted him. But the girl informed her mother of the incident and the case was reported to the police on June 7, 2017. Upon his arrest, the suspect confessed to the crime. The Chief Magistrate remanded him in prison pending his formal arraignment in the family court or High Court by the state Ministry of Justice.
2 Charged with Raping, Procuring Abortion for 14-Year-Old Girl
A 37-year-old man, Francis Okezie, who allegedly raped and impregnated a teenage girl, July 12, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court. Charged along with him is Esther Udoh, 32, who is being tried for unlawful administering of abortion drug on the girl. The prosecutor, Sergeant Raphael Donny, told the court that Okezie committed the offences between January and June at his apartment in the same compound with the 14-year-old girl. Chief Magistrate Folakemi Davies-Abegunde granted the second accused N500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum, while the first was remanded in prison and the case adjourned till September 18.
Father Defiles 11-Year-Old Daughter
A 46-year-old businessman, Oghenetega Orhewere, was July 13, arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling his 11-year-old daughter. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in May at his residence. Ogu said the accused told his 11-year-old daughter to go the bathroom to bathe after returning from school. The accused shut the door after her, defiled her and used a white handkerchief to clean the blood stains. He said the underage girl, who was bleeding and writhing in pains, cried to her mother and the accused was apprehended. Chief Magistrate Taiwo Akanni granted the accused bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case until August 2.
Defilement: LASG Hands over Accused Teachers to Police
Lagos State Government, July 13, confirmed the incident of alleged defilement of at least 10 female students of Nazareth Junior/Senior College, Ibowon, Epe by some teachers of the institution. Following the report, the Lagos State Government swung into action, by probing into the matter which had earlier being reported to the state’s Office of Public Defender (OPD) under the state’s Ministry of Justice, with the view to apprehending the culprits. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi, yesterday, announced the arrest of two teachers of the school alleged to have defiled the students, saying they had been handed over to the Police for further investigation and possible prosecution. Odeyemi, said that the arrest was effected following the confession by the teachers to sexual abuse at a Personnel Management Board (PMB) meeting set up by the Ministry on the issue. The matter in question was brought to public notice sequel to discovery by one of the parents who took her daughter for medical treatment following persistent complaint of stomach pain and unusual discharge from her private part.
Student Raped by Boyfriend, 3 Others in Ondo
Four students of a College of Education in Ondo State have been arrested for gang raping an 18-year-old female student of the institution. The suspects also made a video recording of the incident, as they took turns to rape her. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison, said in Akure that the suspects have confessed to committing the crimes. It was gathered that the rape victim was the girlfriend of one of the suspects, who lured her to one of the suspects’ house, where they raped her. The case was reported to the school authorities and the suspects arrested; the phone and charm used in perpetrating the crime were recovered and the case was transferred to the Department of Criminal Investigation. The victim’s boyfriend, Timilehin, denied inviting her to the house, but said he could not stop his friends from taking their turns to rape the girl after he finished with the lady. The suspects, were on July 14 remanded in the Olokuta Prisons by an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court. The court did not take the plea of the Counsel to the accused students. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Victoria Bob-Manuel, ordered that the defendants should be remanded in prison until August 29, pending the consideration of the bail application.
Suspect Charged with Defilement, Initiation of Teenager into Cult
The Lagos State Police Command, July 14, arraigned a suspected cultist, Destiny Ikechukwu (31), who allegedly defiled a teenager and initiated her into a secret cult. Ikechukwu appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court on a four-count charge bordering on abduction, defilement, cult initiation and indecent assault. The prosecutor, Sergeant Kehinde Omisakin, told the court that the accused committed the offences from June 26 to June 28. Omisakin said that the accused abducted a 15-year-old girl and forcefully initiated her into a secret cult known as Arubaga Cult. The suspect kept his victim against her wish for three days and had carnal knowledge of her during the period. He also used a razor to cut the right thumb of his victim and collected her blood which was used to swear to an oath of secrecy, the prosecutor said. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, admitted him to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned further hearing to August 23.
Others
Flood Kills 11 in Niger State
Eleven people have been reported dead as a result of flooding in Suleja and Tafa LGAs of Niger State. The rainfall, which lasted for about five hours, between July 8 and 9, also submerged several houses. Nine persons were killed by the flood at Checheniya area of Suleja, one killed at Kuspa area of the town, while another died at Ayin-Nassarrawa in Tafa. The houses submerged were located in Kaltuma and Angwan Gwari in Suleja Local Government Area of the state. The Director General of Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Ibrahim Inga, who confirmed the incident in Minna, said members of the Agency have already been mobilised to the area in collaboration with the villagers for rescue operation.
Robbers Drugging Passengers, Drivers with Edibiles – Police
The Police Command in Enugu State has raised alarm over increasing cases of passengers and drivers being drugged and disposed of their belongings and vehicles by unscrupulous elements in the state. The Command’s spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, July 10, said that the command was trailing such elements who engaged in the crime. The command warned members of the public, particularly tricycle operators or taxi drivers as well as other members of the public to be wary about the antics of hoodlums. According to him, the hoodlums at times offer edibles, fruit juice and drinks to their victims. He further called on members of the public to report any suspicious person, movement, object as well as suspicious gathering in their localities.
131 Badoo Suspects, Cultists Nabbed in Ikorodu
A total of 131 suspected members of dreaded badoo boys and cultists were July 11, arrested in Ikorodu area of Lagos State by a joint security task force. The raid started in the early hours of day and was carried out with the joint task force comprising operatives of the Lagos State Police Command, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), the Department of State Services (DSS), and some local security and vigilantes groups and lasted for about 9 hours. The team comb known hideouts of suspected cult members. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has threatened to prosecute any traditional ruler within Ikorodu, who allows any suspected member of the badoo gang or robbery suspect to be lynched within his community. The RRS commander, Olatunji Disu, who confirmed the arrests, said that the suspects were being screened at the Taskforce office, at the end of which the innocent would be set free and others charged to court.
Man Stages Own Kidnap, Demands N60m as Ransom from Relative
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of Lagos State Police Command have arrested a man, who confessed to have staged his own kidnap to extort money from his elder brother in Lagos. Arrested alongside the supposed victim, Ufom Edet Udoh, was his accomplice, Philip Okeimute, who posed as the kidnapper. Ufom’s elder brother, Victor Udoh, who was contacted by the kidnapper, reported the matter to the Police. The bubble burst after investigation by the Police revealed that the kidnap was staged. Police spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, who confirmed the arrest, explained that police investigations led to the arrest of Paul Philips Okiemute, who upon questioning, confessed that Udoh staged his own kidnap to collect money from his elder brother.